2017 Philly Pride

Across the nation, and here in Philadelphia, every June is LGBT Pride Month.

Now more than ever — in the face of daunting challenges at the national level as well as important, necessary conversations here in Philly — the unity found through LGBT pride is something we cherish.

For all of us — both those who identify as LGBTQ and our straight/cisgender allies — this month serves as an opportunity to listen to and learn from one another and, most importantly, make our communities stronger and more inclusive.

Whether you’re a member of LGBTQ community or a straight/cisgender ally, one thing is certain: This month, there are tons of ways to show your pride and support of the LGBTQ community!

AIDS Education MonthThursday, June 1 — Friday, June 30 | Various timesVarious locations
Now in its 23rd year, AIDS Education Month is spearheaded by local HIV organization Philadelphia FIGHT. Throughout the month, FIGHT runs workshops, symposiums, and conferences to increase HIV/AIDS awareness and to bring people together to find strategies to combat the virus. Check out the event’s website for a full listing of events.

Free Library of PrideThursday, June 1 — Friday, June 30 | Various timesVarious locations
All June long, the Free Library of Philadelphia hosts a series of programming throughout its neighborhood libraries including health seminars, film screenings, LGBTQIA+/gender-diverse “rainbow” storytimes, and more in celebration and support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Check out the complete list of more than 50 events, happening at neighborhood libraries across the city. The Free Library also has an LGBTQ digital resource center available online 24/7, 365!

Dyke RideSunday, June 4 | 2:00 p.m.Kahn Park, 11th and Pine Street
Take part in the inaugural Dyke Ride 2017! The event welcomes “dykes, queers, and friends to join on Sunday, June 4, for a group bicycle ride through the neighborhoods of Philadelphia.” Participants will gather at Kahn Park at 328 South 11th Street at 2:00 p.m. and can bring their own bikes or check one out at the park’s Indego station.

There will be a brand new pride flag raised at City Hall this year on June 8!

Pride Month Kickoff at City HallThursday, June 8 | 3:30 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.City Hall, North Apron
We’re kicking off LGBTQ Pride Month 2017 at City Hall! Join the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs, the Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs, and a host of Philly LGBT community organizations for a celebration of resilience, diversity, and strength of our Philly LGBTQ community. We welcome ALL community members for this event featuring speakers, performances, and much more. The program will include remarks from the Mayor and will conclude with the unveiling and raising of a brand new Pride flag.

The Equality March for Unity and Pride PhillySunday, June 11 | 12:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.Thomas Paine Plaza, 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
In solidarity with the National March for Equality in D.C., the “Equality March for Unity & Pride” in Philadelphia is a grassroots movement mobilizing the diverse LGBTQ+ communities to peacefully and clearly address concerns about the current political landscapes and how it is contributing to the persecution and discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals. Participants are invited to gather at Thomas Paine Plaza at noon for the march.

Pride Weekend Kickoff Block PartyFriday, June 16 | 6:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.12th and Locust Street
Celebrate pride in anticipation of Sunday’s parade and festival with a block party at 12th and Locust streets in the city’s Gayborhood. Attendees will enjoy refreshments, food, amusements, and discounted $10 wristbands good for admission to the festival at Penn’s Landing on Sunday. Wristbands purchased on Sunday for festival admission are $15.

William Way LGBT Community Center Homecoming 2017Saturday, June 17 | 11:00 a.m. — 2:30 p.m.William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street
The William Way Community Center is Philadelphia’s LGBT epicenter, and this year the organization is celebrating over forty years of serving the community. This year, the homecoming brunch at the Center is called “Rise!” and celebrates love and leadership in the LGBT community; the event features live entertainment, a buffet brunch, bloodies and mimosas with standard tickets, and a fabulous silent auction. The dress code for Rise! is casual and festive. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Performers at the Philadelphia Pride Parade. (Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia.)

Philly Pride RunSunday, June 18 | 11:00 a.m.Camac and Locust Street to Penn’s Landing
Celebrate Philly Pride 2017 with a 1.5 mile run down the historic Pride Parade route in Center City Philadelphia! The preview run will kick off the Philly Pride Parade and go through the streets of the Gayborhood, with a start at Camac and Locust streets. Runners will run past the Liberty Bell, Independence Mall, and make their way into Penn’s Landing for the Pride festival. All runners and local running groups are invited to celebrate Pride with the LGBTQ communities by doing what we do best: running and bringing our communities closer! Runners may register online.

Philadelphia Pride ParadeSunday, June 18 | 11:30 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.13th and Locust to Penn’s Landing
A hallmark of any city’s pride festivities, the Philadelphia Pride Parade starts in the heart of the Gayborhood at 13th and Locust streets and marches through Center City and Philadelphia’s historic district, concluding at Penn’s Landing. Judges observe floats and performances near Independence Mall at 6th and Market streets.

Philadelphia Pride FestivalSunday, June 18 | 12:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.Great Plaza, Penn’s Landing, Chestnut Street and South Columbus Boulevard
With over 150 vendors, live entertainment, food, and more the Philadelphia Pride Festival occurs yearly at Penn’s Landing and functions as the terminus of the parade. Admission to the six-hour long festival is $15 on Sunday, but wristbands are available for $10 advance purchase during the Gayborhood block party on Friday night.

LGBTQ Health Resource FairWednesday, June 21 | 2:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.South Philadelphia Library, 1700 South Broad Street
Visit the South Philadelphia branch of the Free Library to learn more about HIV, STIs, and overall health. You will be able to visit health resource tables, ask questions, and attend a presentation on breast health, too. Philadelphia FIGHT’s Y-HEP (Youth Health Empowerment Project) will provide information about HIV, STIs, and other health topics for youth ages 13-24, and the Linda Creedbreast cancer organization will provide breast health information for all, including Rainbow Circle outreach for lesbians, bisexual women, and transgender persons.

John J. Wilcox, Jr., LGBTQ Archives PresentationFriday, June 23 | 1:00 p.m.
Independence Library, 18 South 7th Street
The John J. Wilcox, Jr., Archives at the William Way LGBT Community Center is the go-to place for all things Philadelphia LGBTQ history. In fact, it’s one of the largest LGBTQ archives in the world! Archivist Bob Skiba will provide close-up look at the collection at this free neighborhood library lecture.

AIDS Education Month Community CookoutSaturday, June 24 | 12:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.Fairmount Park, Area #2, 33rd Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Join Philadelphia FIGHT to relax, kick back, and enjoy the community that AIDS Education Month brings together. The cookout will take place at Fairmount Park Area #2 located at the intersection of 33rd Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue. There will be a DJ, dancing, and games for kids of all ages — and, of course, great food! The event is free and open to all.

OUT in Point BreezeThursday, June 29 | 5:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.Chick’s, 1805 Washington Avenue
Join LGBTQ folks from Point Breeze and beyond at Chick’son Washington Avenue for community, networking, and more! Come meet your neighbors, make some new friends, and check out a local neighborhood business!

Do you have a program or event you’d like to have listed? Or, do you have an idea or comment? Email Director of the Office LGBT Affairs Amber Hikes at amber.hikes@phila.gov! Be sure the follow the office on Twitter, too!